If we were not flower lovers we would have missed Shelburne Falls.
We were driving through the Berkshires on #2 Highway in northern Massachusetts when we saw
the signage - "Bridge of Flowers." This intrigued us enough that we turned off the highway
and made our way down into the little village that subsequently captured our hearts. The
area known as Shelburne Falls is located along the Mohawk Trail, in Franklin County, Massachusetts.
It is actually two small villages on opposite sides of the Deerfield River - Shelburne and
Buckland - that are linked by a vehicular bridge and the "Bridge of Flowers."

Arriving in Shelburne
is akin to driving back in time. We could not believe what we were seeing. The main street
is a magnificent time capsule wrapped in nineteenth century architecture. The vista across
the river toward Aubuchon=s Hardware and McCusker's Market in Buckland is to look again
back in time. As you do not want to miss anything about this area, your first stop should
be at the Village Information Center, staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. It is conveniently
located in a heritage building on the bustling main street. Armed with pamphlets we decided
some reading was in order before we ventured forth.

Appealing signage pointed toward the "Bridge of Flowers", Salmon Falls and
the Potholes but the street itself beckoned, especially when we saw "10 Bridge Street",
a restaurant so reminiscent of the 1940's that we decided lunch was in order. With its booths,
slow moving ceiling fans, 40's decor, tin ceilings and huge stack of reading material, "10
Bridge Street" captures time beautifully. Add great reasonably priced specials and friendly
staff and you have a winning combination.

Appetites appeased, we
walked a half a block to the internationally known "Bridge of Flowers". In 1929, the four-hundred-foot-long,
c1908 trolley bridge across the Deerfield River was transformed into a botanical feast for
the eyes. The iron bridge that could have become an eyesore, is now one of the most spectacular
visitor attractions in the Berkshires. The soil on the bridge ranges from nine feet to two
and one half feet in depth, allowing more than five hundred varieties of perennial and annual
flowers, plants and vine, including wisteria, roses and rare lilies to thrive. Because of
the variety of flowers, blossom is enjoyed from early spring through the first frosts of
autumn. A rose garden is located at one end of the bridge, along with a donation box and
guest book that visitors are encouraged to sign. Shelburne Falls Women's Club is responsible
for the volunteer work that goes into this marvellous salute to heritage and gardening.
The endeavour is entirely financed through public and private donation, memorial gifts and
bequest.

Next stop is a short jaunt to experience Salmon Falls and the Glacial Potholes.
Follow the signage. It is an easy walk and an incredible sight. The first thing that strikes
visitors is the colour of the rock below the Falls. Granite, worn smooth by a few hundred
million years of water flow, gleams with beige, browns, yellows, reds, greys, blacks, greens
and white. The famous potholes, both shallow and deep, are caused when a small rock becomes
trapped, and through water action wears a circular hole in its captor, a larger rock. The
potholes below Salmon Falls range from six inches to more than thirty-nine feet in diameter.
As a matter of fact, Shelburne Falls is home to the largest pothole in the world. Steps
lead down to the riverbed, so that the potholes can be more closely examined. Be forewarned
that the area is slippery and can be dangerous. Signs warn that when the horn is sounded
people have to get off the granite quickly and out of the gorge. Looking up at Salmon Falls
and the dams that hold back the waters, one can imagine what the area must be like when
flooding occurs. Don't forget your cameras. The river, dams and potholes are spectacular.

All that climbing is sure to make one hungry again so a stop at the Baker
Pharmacy on Bridge Street is a must. Once again, you will be transported back in time as
you sit at the c1930's Soda Fountain devouring a Tin Roof Sundae. A tour of the main area
reveals a number of delightful surprises. Unique and tasteful art studios and galleries,
staffed by resident potters and glassblowers, are tucked in with those businesses that are
necessary for a functioning, healthy community. One of the most unusual speciality shops
is "Wandering Moon", a medieval emporium with clever interior decoration that includes a
castle. Check out "Salmon Falls Artisans", AShelburne Artisans Co-operative, "Mole Hollow
Candles Ltd." and "Art Inside". Shelburne Falls is equally proud of its "painted ladies",
grand Victorian era homes that have been lovingly restored. A walk on both sides of the
river reveals architectural gems. Shelburne Historical Society maintains a museum at 33
Severance Street, which is worth a look-see too.

Hiking trails surround Shelburne Falls. For the ultimate hike, try the eight-mile
Mohawk-Mohican Trail, which can be easily accessed in the village. Gardner Falls Picnic
Area is an easy, level hike. Wilcox Hill is a primitive area that gives river access. Massamet
Tower is a short, steep climb but views from the top are spectacular. High Ledges is an
easy walk and gives good views over the river valley. A map is available at the Village
Information Center for serious hikers. Ask about various backroads jaunts too, past "Johnny Appleseed" farms and comedian Bill Cosby's home. Area accommodation includes a number of
bed and breakfast establishments. For a complete list of amenities and a calendar of events,
you should contact the Visitor Information Center and Franklin County Visitor Information
Center because you will want to spend a few days exploring Highway #2, the Mohawk Trail
and charming area villages. Shelburne Falls is fortunate that through a few million years
of geological evolution, it has been given a priceless natural wonder to accentuate the
built heritage. Area residents are dedicated to preserving visual streetscapes and architectural
delights, along with the simplicity and purity of an earlier era. Visitors should go soon,
before it becomes so well known that quality might be compromised for quantity.